National Guard concludes Iris-2026 military exercise

The National Guard of Cyprus concluded its major joint tactical exercise, 'Iris-2026', on Thursday at the Kalo Chorio firing range. The multi-day drill, which commenced on Monday, focused on high-intensity combat scenarios including the interception of simulated enemy attacks and the execution of effective counter-offensives to reclaim territory.

The exercise featured the integration of modern weapon systems, such as T-80 tanks, BMP-3 armored vehicles, and Greek F-16 Viper fighter jets. Notably, this iteration marked the first large-scale deployment of locally developed drones for reconnaissance, target designation, and surveillance, involving systems from Swarmly Aero, CYRIC, and the University of Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas attended the final phase, emphasizing that such maneuvers are essential for assessing operational readiness, refining inter-departmental coordination, and strengthening the country's defensive deterrent against the ongoing Turkish occupation and broader regional instability.

Authorities indicated that the training serves as a critical evaluation tool for military procedures, allowing commanders to identify gaps and implement structural improvements. The event was attended by the National Guard General Staff and various foreign military attachés, confirming the exercise's role in the state's long-term armament and defense planning.